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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said that the new farm laws have been brought to ease difficulties in agriculture and called upon protesting farmers to resume talks with the government over their demands.

Asserting that the central government honours the farmers and it is ready to accept their logical suggestions on the three farm laws, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the new farm laws provide an option to farmers and have been brought to meet the emerging challenges.&nbsp;

In his reply to the motion of thanks on the President`s Address in Lok Sabha, the Prime Minister said no mandis have been shut after the implementation of these laws and there has been no impact on the MSP. Congress members, who interrupted Prime Minister during his speech, later staged a walkout.

The Prime Minister said three farm laws were an honest effort by the government to improve the conditions of agriculture." Three farm laws were brought in by the Government. The process of agricultural reforms is necessary and important.

The agriculture sector has been facing challenges for years. We will have to make efforts to meet them and we have made honest efforts," he said. The Prime Minister accused the opposition of misleading farmers protesting against farm laws.&nbsp;

"Congress MPs in House debated on the colour of the laws. It would have been better if they had debated on the content and intent of the laws. Let us understand, as far as the protests are concerned, our farmer brothers at Delhi borders have been a victim of rumours, propaganda and confusion," he said.

PM Modi said that the Parliament and the government respect the "sentiments of all agitating farmers".

"This is why the agriculture minister has been holding talks regularly with farmers groups with full honour and dignity. Talks have been going on for a while including way back when the agitation was in Punjab. We concede that if there is any shortcoming in the laws we are willing to amend. The changes should be practical and convincing," he said.

"This House, our Government and we all respect the farmers who are voicing their views on the farm bills. This is the reason why topmost Ministers of the Government are constantly talking to them. There is great respect for the farmers," he added.

He said the new farm laws provide alternatives to farmers. "I want to ask has anything been snatched that was available earlier? What has happened is an alternative option has been provided. That is the arrangement under the new laws," he said.The Prime Minister attacked Congress for disruptions in the House."Those who are disrupting the House are doing so as per a well-planned strategy. They are unable to digest that people are seeing through the truth. It will not work. Through their games, the trust of the people can never be won," he said.

He said Congress leaders had adopted one strategy in Rajya Sabha and a different approach in the Lok Sabha and this shows its "divisions". Taking a dig at Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chaudhary who had been repeatedly interrupting him, the Prime Minister said his actions have been noted where he wanted it to be".

"Adhir Ranjan ji, ab zyada ho raha hai. I respect you. You will get more publicity than TMC in Bengal. Don't worry...This doesn`t look good, why are you doing this? These laws are not coercive. They only offer options."

(With inputs from agencies)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said that the new farm laws have been brought to ease difficulties in agriculture and called upon protesting farmers to resume talks with the government over their demands.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said that the new farm laws have been brought to ease difficulties in agriculture and called upon protesting farmers to resume talks with the government over their demands. Asserting that the central government honours the farmers and it is ready to accept their logical suggestions on the three farm laws, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the new farm laws provide an option to farmers and have been brought to meet the emerging challenges. In his reply to the motion of thanks on the President`s Address in Lok Sabha, the Prime Minister said no mandis have been shut after the implementation of these laws and there has been no impact on the MSP. Congress members, who interrupted Prime Minister during his speech, later staged a walkout. The Prime Minister said three farm laws were an honest effort by the government to improve the conditions of agriculture." Three farm laws were brought in by the Government. The process of agricultural reforms is necessary and important. The agriculture sector has been facing challenges for years. We will have to make efforts to meet them and we have made honest efforts," he said. The Prime Minister accused the opposition of misleading farmers protesting against farm laws. "Congress MPs in House debated on the colour of the laws. It would have been better if they had debated on the content and intent of the laws. Let us understand, as far as the protests are concerned, our farmer brothers at Delhi borders have been a victim of rumours, propaganda and confusion," he said. PM Modi said that the Parliament and the government respect the "sentiments of all agitating farmers". "This is why the agriculture minister has been holding talks regularly with farmers groups with full honour and dignity. Talks have been going on for a while including way back when the agitation was in Punjab. We concede that if there is any shortcoming in the laws we are willing to amend. The changes should be practical and convincing," he said. "This House, our Government and we all respect the farmers who are voicing their views on the farm bills. This is the reason why topmost Ministers of the Government are constantly talking to them. There is great respect for the farmers," he added. He said the new farm laws provide alternatives to farmers. "I want to ask has anything been snatched that was available earlier? What has happened is an alternative option has been provided. That is the arrangement under the new laws," he said.The Prime Minister attacked Congress for disruptions in the House."Those who are disrupting the House are doing so as per a well-planned strategy. They are unable to digest that people are seeing through the truth. It will not work. Through their games, the trust of the people can never be won," he said. He said Congress leaders had adopted one strategy in Rajya Sabha and a different approach in the Lok Sabha and this shows its "divisions". Taking a dig at Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chaudhary who had been repeatedly interrupting him, the Prime Minister said his actions have been noted where he wanted it to be". "Adhir Ranjan ji, ab zyada ho raha hai. I respect you. You will get more publicity than TMC in Bengal. Don't worry...This doesn`t look good, why are you doing this? These laws are not coercive. They only offer options." (With inputs from agencies)

Agriculture reforms are necessary, farm laws provide an option: PM Narendra Modi

The Chinese Defence spokesman on Wednesday said that frontline troops of India and China at the southern and northern banks of the Pangong Lake at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh have started&nbsp;disengagement". 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/india-china-standoff-how-indian-navys-marcos-can-change-the-game-along-pangong-lake-in-eastern-ladakh-346930">Pictures | India-China standoff: How Indian Navy's MARCOS can change the game along Pangong lake in eastern Ladakh</a>

Senior Colonel Wu Qian, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of National Defence, in a written statement, said, "The Chinese and Indian frontline troops at the southern and northern bank of the Pangong Tso Lake start synchronised and organised disengagement from February 10."

There was no comment from the Indian side on the statement made by Colonel Wu Qian and carried by China's official media. 
 
<img alt="Global Times" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2d1345cb-c547-4e1f-93b3-cebe1ea7710a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/globaltimes.JPG" />

According to the consensus reached by the ninth round of the commander-level talks between China and India, the frontline units of the Chinese and Indian armed forces began organised disengagement from North and South bank of Pangong lake from February 10, Wu said in a brief press release.

The militaries of China and India have been engaged in a tense standoff in eastern Ladakh since early May last year. The two countries have held several rounds of military and diplomatic-level talks to resolve the face-off.

On January 24, the 9th round of China-India Corps Commander-level meeting was held on the Chinese side of the Moldo-Chushul border meeting point.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Chinese Defence spokesman on Wednesday said that frontline troops of India and China at the southern and northern banks of the Pangong Lake at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh have started disengagement".

The Chinese Defence spokesman on Wednesday said that frontline troops of India and China at the southern and northern banks of the Pangong Lake at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh have started disengagement". Pictures | India-China standoff: How Indian Navy's MARCOS can change the game along Pangong lake in eastern Ladakh Senior Colonel Wu Qian, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of National Defence, in a written statement, said, "The Chinese and Indian frontline troops at the southern and northern bank of the Pangong Tso Lake start synchronised and organised disengagement from February 10." There was no comment from the Indian side on the statement made by Colonel Wu Qian and carried by China's official media. According to the consensus reached by the ninth round of the commander-level talks between China and India, the frontline units of the Chinese and Indian armed forces began organised disengagement from North and South bank of Pangong lake from February 10, Wu said in a brief press release. The militaries of China and India have been engaged in a tense standoff in eastern Ladakh since early May last year. The two countries have held several rounds of military and diplomatic-level talks to resolve the face-off. On January 24, the 9th round of China-India Corps Commander-level meeting was held on the Chinese side of the Moldo-Chushul border meeting point. (With inputs from agencies)

China’s army claims both sides start withdrawal along Pangong Lake; no comment from India

Pi-beam, a start-up incubated at IIT Madras has launched ‘PiMo’, an E-bike with a claimed range of 50kms, top speed of 25kmph and charging time of two hours. According to the company, 90 per cent of the crucial components, including the batteries and controllers are made in India. The e-bike which resembles an electric bicycle in design is targeted towards personal and commercial needs.&nbsp;

According to the company, the e-bike neither requires a registration nor would the rider have to possess a license. It also offers a ‘Battery Swapping’ Technology, through which a drained battery can be exchanged for a fully charged battery at designated locations, they added.&nbsp; 
 
<img alt="E-bike" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="20135540-8772-4e67-a075-48c0e4cc6240" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/karthik.JPG" />

(Dinesh Karthik, Indian Cricketer, after unveiling PiMo at IIT Madras)

Visakh Sasikumar, an IIT alumnus and the CEO of Pi Beam said, “We are excited by the sheer amount of interest and pre-orders we’ve received from our initial demos and trials across different cities. These bikes will find their way through B2B applications like food delivery, e-commerce delivery, shared mobility and much more.”

PiMo was launched on Wednesday at the IIT Madras Research Park in the presence of Indian cricketer Dinesh Karthik, Prof. Bhaskar Ramamurthi, Director, IIT Madras, Proffessor Ashok Jhunjhunwala, Professor In-Charge, IIT Madras Research Park and Mr. Visakh Sasikumar, CEO, Pi Beam Electric, among others. 
 
<img alt="PiMo" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="41021665-ea68-4bd0-bcac-28e499d6889c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/pimo-e-bike.JPG" /> 
 
(‘PiMo,’ the Utility e-bike made by IIT Madras Incubated Startup PiBeam, which was launched on 10th February 2021 at IIT Madras Research Park in Chennai.)

The company claims that PiMo which is priced at Rs.30, 000 offers better ride comfort owing to its dual rear suspension and larger, ergonomically designed seats.&nbsp;

Speaking about the product launch, Pramod DSouza, Co-founder, Eagle10 Ventures, said, “Pi Beam’s PiMO has great opportunity to grab market share at the lower end of electric bikes segment. Last mile delivery segment in the e-commerce space is another opportunity where PiMO can fit well and happy that Visakh and team are already in discussion with many e-commerce companies regarding this.”

Prior to the e-bike, the company had been selling Electric Trikes in the market, for purposes ranging from waste management to e-commerce deliveries.

Pi-beam, a start-up incubated at IIT Madras has launched ‘PiMo’, an E-bike with a claimed range of 50kms, top speed of 25kmph and charging time of two hours. According to the company, 90 per cent of the crucial components, including the batteries and controllers are made in India.

Pi-beam, a start-up incubated at IIT Madras has launched ‘PiMo’, an E-bike with a claimed range of 50kms, top speed of 25kmph and charging time of two hours. According to the company, 90 per cent of the crucial components, including the batteries and controllers are made in India. The e-bike which resembles an electric bicycle in design is targeted towards personal and commercial needs. According to the company, the e-bike neither requires a registration nor would the rider have to possess a license. It also offers a ‘Battery Swapping’ Technology, through which a drained battery can be exchanged for a fully charged battery at designated locations, they added. (Dinesh Karthik, Indian Cricketer, after unveiling PiMo at IIT Madras) Visakh Sasikumar, an IIT alumnus and the CEO of Pi Beam said, “We are excited by the sheer amount of interest and pre-orders we’ve received from our initial demos and trials across different cities. These bikes will find their way through B2B applications like food delivery, e-commerce delivery, shared mobility and much more.” PiMo was launched on Wednesday at the IIT Madras Research Park in the presence of Indian cricketer Dinesh Karthik, Prof. Bhaskar Ramamurthi, Director, IIT Madras, Proffessor Ashok Jhunjhunwala, Professor In-Charge, IIT Madras Research Park and Mr. Visakh Sasikumar, CEO, Pi Beam Electric, among others. (‘PiMo,’ the Utility e-bike made by IIT Madras Incubated Startup PiBeam, which was launched on 10th February 2021 at IIT Madras Research Park in Chennai.) The company claims that PiMo which is priced at Rs.30, 000 offers better ride comfort owing to its dual rear suspension and larger, ergonomically designed seats. Speaking about the product launch, Pramod DSouza, Co-founder, Eagle10 Ventures, said, “Pi Beam’s PiMO has great opportunity to grab market share at the lower end of electric bikes segment. Last mile delivery segment in the e-commerce space is another opportunity where PiMO can fit well and happy that Visakh and team are already in discussion with many e-commerce companies regarding this.” Prior to the e-bike, the company had been selling Electric Trikes in the market, for purposes ranging from waste management to e-commerce deliveries.

IIT Madras incubated start-up ‘Pi-beam’ launches 'Made in India' e-bike 

Youtube on Tuesday blocked Punjabi songs on farmer protest after legal complaint from central government. Prominent among the songs is the one by famous Punjabi singer Kanwar Grewal titled `Ailaan`. The song had over 60 lakh views.&nbsp;

The original video now has a notification saying, "This content is not available on this country domain due to a legal complaint from the government".

"We comply with valid legal requests from authorities wherever possible, consistent with our longstanding policy and act quickly to remove identified content," said a Youtube Spokesperson.

Fans of the singer posted the music video on various other Youtube channels and could still be accessed.

According to media reports, another video by artist Himmat Sandhu titled `Asi vaddange` which had 1.3 crore views has also been blocked on the platform.

Several Punjabi celebrities and singers have come out in support of farmers, as the government toughens its stand on malicious and inflammatory accounts, posts and videos.

The Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) has sent three notices to Twitter, the latest one asking the company to block 1,178 accounts believed to be linked to Khalistan sympathisers and those backed by Pakistan.

In another notice, MeitY had asked Twitter to block 257 accounts using the #ModiPlanningFarmerGenocide hashtag amid the farmers` protest, under Section 69A of the IT Act.

(With IANS inputs)

Youtube on Tuesday blocked Punjabi songs on farmer protest after legal complaint from central government. Prominent among the songs is the one by famous Punjabi singer Kanwar Grewal titled `Ailaan`.

Youtube on Tuesday blocked Punjabi songs on farmer protest after legal complaint from central government. Prominent among the songs is the one by famous Punjabi singer Kanwar Grewal titled `Ailaan`. The song had over 60 lakh views. The original video now has a notification saying, "This content is not available on this country domain due to a legal complaint from the government". "We comply with valid legal requests from authorities wherever possible, consistent with our longstanding policy and act quickly to remove identified content," said a Youtube Spokesperson. Fans of the singer posted the music video on various other Youtube channels and could still be accessed. According to media reports, another video by artist Himmat Sandhu titled `Asi vaddange` which had 1.3 crore views has also been blocked on the platform. Several Punjabi celebrities and singers have come out in support of farmers, as the government toughens its stand on malicious and inflammatory accounts, posts and videos. The Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) has sent three notices to Twitter, the latest one asking the company to block 1,178 accounts believed to be linked to Khalistan sympathisers and those backed by Pakistan. In another notice, MeitY had asked Twitter to block 257 accounts using the #ModiPlanningFarmerGenocide hashtag amid the farmers` protest, under Section 69A of the IT Act. (With IANS inputs)

YouTube blocks Punjabi songs on 'farmer protest' after government's legal complaint

Twitter has permanently suspended more than 500 accounts in response to the Indian government's request to remove for allegedly spreading misinformation in connection with agricultural reforms and farmers protest.

More than 500 accounts suspended by Twitter on Indian govt's request

As India eyes more Rafale jets, why France is developing Future Combat Air System

India's Prime Minister Narendra <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/give-agricultural-reforms-a-chance-msp-will-remain-says-pm-modi-in-rajya-sabha-362089">Modi</a> got emotional today while thanking Ghulam Nabi's contribution in Rajya Sabha, saying "the way he wants to do something for this country, it would never let him sit in peace."

Watch:

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: PM Modi gets emotional while reminiscing an incident involving Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad, during farewell to retiring members in Rajya Sabha. <a href="https://t.co/vXqzqAVXFT">pic.twitter.com/vXqzqAVXFT</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1359016232104591360?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 9, 2021</a></blockquote>
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"I am confident wherever he will be, the country will benefit from his experience. I once again thank him for his services," India's prime minister said, adding, "Personally, I would want him to know that you are always welcome. I won't let you retire."

"The doors of this hall and my heart is always open for you," PM Modi said on Ghulam Nabi Azad who is set to leave India's upper house of Parliament.

"I will never forget Shri Azad’s efforts and Shri Pranab Mukherjee’s efforts when people from Gujarat were stuck in Kashmir due to a terror attack. Ghulam Nabi was constantly following up, he sounded as concerned as if those stuck were his own family member," an emotional prime minister said while pointing at Azad.

"The person who will replace Ghulam Nabi will have difficulty matching his work because he was not only concerned about his party but also about the country and the House," the PM said, stating that, "It is a very emotional moment for me."

"We bid farewell to Rajya Sabha MPs who have played a vital role in the proceedings of the Rajya Sabha. I recall my numerous interactions with Shri Nazir Ahmed Laway and Shri Mohammad Fayaz. Their passion towards Jammu and Kashmir’s progress is noteworthy," PM Modi said.

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi got emotional today while thanking Ghulam Nabi's contribution in Rajya Sabha, saying "the way he wants to do something for this country, it would never let him sit in peace.

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi got emotional today while thanking Ghulam Nabi's contribution in Rajya Sabha, saying "the way he wants to do something for this country, it would never let him sit in peace." Watch: #WATCH: PM Modi gets emotional while reminiscing an incident involving Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad, during farewell to retiring members in Rajya Sabha. pic.twitter.com/vXqzqAVXFT — ANI (@ANI) February 9, 2021 × "I am confident wherever he will be, the country will benefit from his experience. I once again thank him for his services," India's prime minister said, adding, "Personally, I would want him to know that you are always welcome. I won't let you retire." "The doors of this hall and my heart is always open for you," PM Modi said on Ghulam Nabi Azad who is set to leave India's upper house of Parliament. "I will never forget Shri Azad’s efforts and Shri Pranab Mukherjee’s efforts when people from Gujarat were stuck in Kashmir due to a terror attack. Ghulam Nabi was constantly following up, he sounded as concerned as if those stuck were his own family member," an emotional prime minister said while pointing at Azad. "The person who will replace Ghulam Nabi will have difficulty matching his work because he was not only concerned about his party but also about the country and the House," the PM said, stating that, "It is a very emotional moment for me." "We bid farewell to Rajya Sabha MPs who have played a vital role in the proceedings of the Rajya Sabha. I recall my numerous interactions with Shri Nazir Ahmed Laway and Shri Mohammad Fayaz. Their passion towards Jammu and Kashmir’s progress is noteworthy," PM Modi said.

'I won't let you retire': PM Modi gets emotional while thanking Ghulam Nabi Azad's contribution in Rajya Sabha

Wistron Corporation, the manufacturing partner Apple Inc, will hire workers and restart operations in its Narasapura factory outside Bangalore after a violent protest shut the iPhone-manufacturing facility last December.

“A comprehensive set of corrective actions has now been completed and Wistron has restructured their recruiting team and enhanced training and support for workers,” Apple said in the statement. “Wistron remains on probation and we will monitor their progress closely.”

"We are looking forward to restarting our operations and welcoming back team members," David Shen, CEO Wistron Smart Devices, said in a statement.

He said since the violent incident at their Narasapura facility in Kolar district in December last year, the company has been working hard on improving across the board to raise standards and fix the issues.

"All employees have been promptly and fully paid, and we implemented new hiring and payroll systems to ensure everyone is paid correctly and provided the correct documentation going forward," Shen added.

The company official said Wistron will be delivering enhanced training programmes for all workers.

According to him, the management has put in a place a new system for workers to get information and raise any concerns they may have, anonymously.

While thanking the employees for their patience and support, Shen said the firm has worked through corrective actions.

Karnataka Labour Minister A Shivaram Hebbar told PTI company officials were willing to start their operations from February 15.

"There may be delay of a day or two in resuming their operations but they are serious about it," Hebbar said.

He assured the company that the Karnataka government was ready to extend all cooperation to ensure that the manufacturing facility starts.

"It is not just about Wistron but our support is to everyone who is willing to set up an industry in Karnataka," Hebbar added.

Over 4,000 employees on contract went on a rampage over non-payment of their wages.

The company had sacked its vice president overseeing its business in India, as it admitted that some workers were not paid correctly or on time, and offered an apology.

(With inputs from agencies)

Wistron Corporation, the manufacturing partner Apple Inc, will hire workers and restart operations in its Narasapura factory outside Bangalore after a violent protest shut the iPhone-manufacturing facility last December.

Wistron Corporation, the manufacturing partner Apple Inc, will hire workers and restart operations in its Narasapura factory outside Bangalore after a violent protest shut the iPhone-manufacturing facility last December. “A comprehensive set of corrective actions has now been completed and Wistron has restructured their recruiting team and enhanced training and support for workers,” Apple said in the statement. “Wistron remains on probation and we will monitor their progress closely.” "We are looking forward to restarting our operations and welcoming back team members," David Shen, CEO Wistron Smart Devices, said in a statement. He said since the violent incident at their Narasapura facility in Kolar district in December last year, the company has been working hard on improving across the board to raise standards and fix the issues. "All employees have been promptly and fully paid, and we implemented new hiring and payroll systems to ensure everyone is paid correctly and provided the correct documentation going forward," Shen added. The company official said Wistron will be delivering enhanced training programmes for all workers. According to him, the management has put in a place a new system for workers to get information and raise any concerns they may have, anonymously. While thanking the employees for their patience and support, Shen said the firm has worked through corrective actions. Karnataka Labour Minister A Shivaram Hebbar told PTI company officials were willing to start their operations from February 15. "There may be delay of a day or two in resuming their operations but they are serious about it," Hebbar said. He assured the company that the Karnataka government was ready to extend all cooperation to ensure that the manufacturing facility starts. "It is not just about Wistron but our support is to everyone who is willing to set up an industry in Karnataka," Hebbar added. Over 4,000 employees on contract went on a rampage over non-payment of their wages. The company had sacked its vice president overseeing its business in India, as it admitted that some workers were not paid correctly or on time, and offered an apology. (With inputs from agencies)

Apple supplier Wistron to restart riot-hit iPhone factory in India

For the second time this month, the daily new Covid-19 cases fell below 10,000, taking India's tally of cases to 1,08,47,304, while fresh fatalities remained below 100 for the fourth consecutive day, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Tuesday.&nbsp;

A total of 9,110 new infections were reported in a span of 24 hours, while the death toll increased to 1,55,158 with 78 daily new fatalities, the data updated at 8 am showed.&nbsp;

The number of people, who have recuperated from the disease, surged to 1,05,48,521 pushing the national Covid-19 recovery rate to 97.25 per cent, while the Covid-19 case fatality rate stands at 1.43 per cent. &nbsp;

The Covid-19 active caseload remained below two lakh. There are 1,43,625 active cases of coronavirus infections in the country, which comprise 1.32 per cent of the total caseload, the data stated.&nbsp;

India's Covid-19 tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7, 30 lakh on August 23, 40 lakh on September 5 and 50 lakh on September 16. It went past 60 lakh on September 28, 70 lakh on October 11, crossed 80 lakh on October 29, 90 lakh on November 20 and surpassed the one-crore mark on December 19.&nbsp;

According to the ICMR, 20,25,87,752 samples have been tested up to February 8 with 6,87,138 samples being tested on Monday.&nbsp;

For the second time this month, the daily new Covid-19 cases fell below 10,000, taking India's tally of cases to 1,08,47,304, while fresh fatalities remained below 100 for the fourth consecutive day, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Tuesday.

For the second time this month, the daily new Covid-19 cases fell below 10,000, taking India's tally of cases to 1,08,47,304, while fresh fatalities remained below 100 for the fourth consecutive day, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Tuesday. A total of 9,110 new infections were reported in a span of 24 hours, while the death toll increased to 1,55,158 with 78 daily new fatalities, the data updated at 8 am showed. The number of people, who have recuperated from the disease, surged to 1,05,48,521 pushing the national Covid-19 recovery rate to 97.25 per cent, while the Covid-19 case fatality rate stands at 1.43 per cent. The Covid-19 active caseload remained below two lakh. There are 1,43,625 active cases of coronavirus infections in the country, which comprise 1.32 per cent of the total caseload, the data stated. India's Covid-19 tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7, 30 lakh on August 23, 40 lakh on September 5 and 50 lakh on September 16. It went past 60 lakh on September 28, 70 lakh on October 11, crossed 80 lakh on October 29, 90 lakh on November 20 and surpassed the one-crore mark on December 19. According to the ICMR, 20,25,87,752 samples have been tested up to February 8 with 6,87,138 samples being tested on Monday.

New COVID-19 cases in India fall below 10,000 again

As many as 197 people are missing while 20 have died in Sunday's avalanche and flash floods in Uttarakhand, Union Home Minister Amit Shah told Parliament on Tuesday.

He said the figures received from the state government may change and the situation is being monitored round-the-clock at the highest level by the Centre and Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself.

Five more bodies were recovered on Tuesday taking the death toll from the Uttarakhand glacier disaster to 31 as multiple agencies raced against time to reach about 30 workers trapped inside a tunnel in a power project site and 175 people remained missing.&nbsp;

A portion of the Nanda Devi glacier broke off in Uttarakhand's Chamoli district on Sunday, triggering an avalanche and a deluge in the Alaknanda river system that washed away hydroelectric stations and endangered lives of people living along the banks.

Shah told the Rajya Sabha that the rising water levels washed away the functional Rishiganga small hydro project of 13.2 MW and also affected the under-construction 520 MW NTPC Hydro Power Project at Tapovan on the downstream of the Dhauli Ganga river.

"As per information received from the Government of Uttarakhand, 20 people have died and six persons have been injured so far. As per information, a total of 197 people are reported missing which includes 139 of an under-construction project of NTPC, 46 of the functional Rishi Ganga Project and 12 villagers," he said.

Twelve people working on the NTPC project and 15 on the Rishiganga one have been saved.

In a tunnel of NTPC project, approximately 25-35 people are suspected to be trapped, Shah said.

"Rescue operation to evacuate these people is going on a war footing and all-out efforts are being made for searching missing persons.

"I assure the House that the Centre is extending all possible assistance to the state government for relief and rescue work. The central government is working in close coordination with the state and all necessary steps, which are considered appropriate, are being taken," he said.

Since a bridge has been washed away due to the deluge, 13 villages around the place of the incident have been cut off.

Necessary supplies and medical assistance are being provided to these villages through helicopters, the Union Home Minister said.

The state government has reported that there is no danger of downstream flooding and the rise in water level has been contained, he said, adding "The centre and the state governments are keeping a strict vigil on the situation."

A meeting of the National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) under the chairmanship of cabinet secretary was held on February 7, wherein all the agencies concerned were directed to work in close coordination and to extend all requisite assistance to the state administration.

Shah said both the control rooms of the Ministry of Home Affairs are monitoring the situation and are providing all possible help to the state.

The Indo-Tibetian Border Police has set up their control room and 450 personnel of the force with all necessary equipment are engaged in rescue and relief operation.

Five Nation Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams, which have also reached the place of incident.

Besides, eight teams of the Indian Army, including one Engineer Task Force (ETF), are carrying out rescue operation at the incident site.

A diving team of the Indian Navy has also reached the site for the rescue operation.

"Five helicopters of the Indian Air Force have also been engaged in the rescue operation. A control room has been established at Joshimath," Shah said.

Despite adverse conditions at the site, search and rescue operation is being carried out continuously.

The Army has cleared debris at the opening of the tunnel to rescue the people trapped in it.

A team of the Snow and Avalanche Study Establishment/DRDO has reached the site for surveillance and reconnaissance, he said.

At the ground and government level, the district administration, police and disaster management departments of the state government along with all central agencies have been working for rescue and relief work, Shah said.

He also informed Lok Sabha about the situation in Uttarakhand and the response of the government.

Essential food and medical supplies are being provided to affected villages through helicopters, Shah said.

The state Public Works Department and the Border Roads Organisation have started repairing five damaged bridges.

Central Water Commission personnel are on high alert and a DRDO team is keeping a vigil on avalanches, he said.

As many as 197 people are missing while 20 have died in Sunday's avalanche and flash floods in Uttarakhand, Union Home Minister Amit Shah told Parliament on Tuesday.

As many as 197 people are missing while 20 have died in Sunday's avalanche and flash floods in Uttarakhand, Union Home Minister Amit Shah told Parliament on Tuesday. He said the figures received from the state government may change and the situation is being monitored round-the-clock at the highest level by the Centre and Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself. Five more bodies were recovered on Tuesday taking the death toll from the Uttarakhand glacier disaster to 31 as multiple agencies raced against time to reach about 30 workers trapped inside a tunnel in a power project site and 175 people remained missing. A portion of the Nanda Devi glacier broke off in Uttarakhand's Chamoli district on Sunday, triggering an avalanche and a deluge in the Alaknanda river system that washed away hydroelectric stations and endangered lives of people living along the banks. Shah told the Rajya Sabha that the rising water levels washed away the functional Rishiganga small hydro project of 13.2 MW and also affected the under-construction 520 MW NTPC Hydro Power Project at Tapovan on the downstream of the Dhauli Ganga river. "As per information received from the Government of Uttarakhand, 20 people have died and six persons have been injured so far. As per information, a total of 197 people are reported missing which includes 139 of an under-construction project of NTPC, 46 of the functional Rishi Ganga Project and 12 villagers," he said. Twelve people working on the NTPC project and 15 on the Rishiganga one have been saved. In a tunnel of NTPC project, approximately 25-35 people are suspected to be trapped, Shah said. "Rescue operation to evacuate these people is going on a war footing and all-out efforts are being made for searching missing persons. "I assure the House that the Centre is extending all possible assistance to the state government for relief and rescue work. The central government is working in close coordination with the state and all necessary steps, which are considered appropriate, are being taken," he said. Since a bridge has been washed away due to the deluge, 13 villages around the place of the incident have been cut off. Necessary supplies and medical assistance are being provided to these villages through helicopters, the Union Home Minister said. The state government has reported that there is no danger of downstream flooding and the rise in water level has been contained, he said, adding "The centre and the state governments are keeping a strict vigil on the situation." A meeting of the National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) under the chairmanship of cabinet secretary was held on February 7, wherein all the agencies concerned were directed to work in close coordination and to extend all requisite assistance to the state administration. Shah said both the control rooms of the Ministry of Home Affairs are monitoring the situation and are providing all possible help to the state. The Indo-Tibetian Border Police has set up their control room and 450 personnel of the force with all necessary equipment are engaged in rescue and relief operation. Five Nation Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams, which have also reached the place of incident. Besides, eight teams of the Indian Army, including one Engineer Task Force (ETF), are carrying out rescue operation at the incident site. A diving team of the Indian Navy has also reached the site for the rescue operation. "Five helicopters of the Indian Air Force have also been engaged in the rescue operation. A control room has been established at Joshimath," Shah said. Despite adverse conditions at the site, search and rescue operation is being carried out continuously. The Army has cleared debris at the opening of the tunnel to rescue the people trapped in it. A team of the Snow and Avalanche Study Establishment/DRDO has reached the site for surveillance and reconnaissance, he said. At the ground and government level, the district administration, police and disaster management departments of the state government along with all central agencies have been working for rescue and relief work, Shah said. He also informed Lok Sabha about the situation in Uttarakhand and the response of the government. Essential food and medical supplies are being provided to affected villages through helicopters, Shah said. The state Public Works Department and the Border Roads Organisation have started repairing five damaged bridges. Central Water Commission personnel are on high alert and a DRDO team is keeping a vigil on avalanches, he said.

197 people missing, 20 dead in Uttarakhand floods: Home Minister Amit Shah tells Parliament

The Government of India will soon offer corporate houses the flexibility to choose a shorter four-day work week, albeit with longer shifts.

The weekly 48-hour work limit will stay but employers will be able to deploy people on four, 12-hour workdays per week; or five, around 10-hour days; or six, eight-hour days, labour secretary Apurva Chandra told reporters on Monday.

The provision will be part of the labour code, and once the new rules are implemented, employers will no longer be required to seek government permission to shift to a four- or a five-day working week if their employees approve the arrangement.

Companies will have to give three days’ of paid leaves and 12 hours of work per day to their employees with the consent of the workers, said Labour and Employment Secretary Apurva Chandra said on Monday.

“We are not forcing employees or employers. It gives flexibility. It’s an enabling provision in sync with the changing work culture. We have tried to make some changes. We have tried to give flexibility in working days,” he said. The draft rules under the labour codes are in the final stage and most states were in the process of framing their rules and some, including Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Madhya Pradesh, would be ready with their drafts this week, Chandra added.

“It (working days) could come down below five. If it is four, then you have to provide three paid holidays…so if it has to be a seven day week, then it has to be divided into 4 or 5 or 6 working days. Under the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020 draft rules, the limit of working hours for a week were 48 hours. This limit was sacrosanct and that employers and workers would have to agree to a change in working days. It cannot be forced,” he said.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Government of India will soon offer corporate houses the flexibility to choose a shorter four-day work week, albeit with longer shifts. The weekly 48-hour work limit will stay but employers will be able to deploy people on four, 12-hour workdays per week; or five, around 10-hour days; or six, eight-hour days, labour secretary Apurva Chandra told reporters on Monday.

The Government of India will soon offer corporate houses the flexibility to choose a shorter four-day work week, albeit with longer shifts. The weekly 48-hour work limit will stay but employers will be able to deploy people on four, 12-hour workdays per week; or five, around 10-hour days; or six, eight-hour days, labour secretary Apurva Chandra told reporters on Monday. The provision will be part of the labour code, and once the new rules are implemented, employers will no longer be required to seek government permission to shift to a four- or a five-day working week if their employees approve the arrangement. Companies will have to give three days’ of paid leaves and 12 hours of work per day to their employees with the consent of the workers, said Labour and Employment Secretary Apurva Chandra said on Monday. “We are not forcing employees or employers. It gives flexibility. It’s an enabling provision in sync with the changing work culture. We have tried to make some changes. We have tried to give flexibility in working days,” he said. The draft rules under the labour codes are in the final stage and most states were in the process of framing their rules and some, including Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Madhya Pradesh, would be ready with their drafts this week, Chandra added. “It (working days) could come down below five. If it is four, then you have to provide three paid holidays…so if it has to be a seven day week, then it has to be divided into 4 or 5 or 6 working days. Under the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020 draft rules, the limit of working hours for a week were 48 hours. This limit was sacrosanct and that employers and workers would have to agree to a change in working days. It cannot be forced,” he said. (With inputs from agencies)

4-day work week to be a reality soon? Centre to include the proposal in labour codes

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday (February 9, 2021) held a virtual summit with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and stated that both India and Afghanistan want to see the region free of terrorism.

'Want to see region free of terrorism', says PM Modi at virtual summit with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani

Rescue operations continued on Tuesday to free people trapped inside a tunnel in Tapovan in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rescue-operations-underway-in-uttarakhand-after-glacier-burst-several-missing-362133">Uttarakhand</a> after a glacier broke off in Uttarakhand's Chamoli district on Sunday&nbsp;triggering an avalanche.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uttarakhand-glacial-burst-offers-of-help-pour-in-from-across-the-world-362199/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

SDRF teams along with other members of the rescue teams have been engaged in the tunnel operations with over 30 workers feared trapped in a tunnel at a power project site.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/uttarakhand-landslide-rescue-operation-underway-after-glacier-burst-in-indian-himalayas-362117">In Pics: Uttarakhand landslide</a>

As heavy excavators were brought to remove the debris and slush to open the tunnel, the multi-agency rescue operation including the Indo-Tibetan Border Police(ITBP) &nbsp;and national disaster response force continued its rescue mission with the forces clearing 90 meter stretch of debris in the big tunnel at Tapovan till now, with about 100 meters of clearing still left.

Aerial rescue and relief missions have resumed with Indian Air Force's Mi-17 &amp; Chinook helicopters flying from Dehradun to Joshimath with disaster relief teams on board. The operation to rescue the people trapped in a tunnel is underway with efforts on to clear the tunnel with the help of JCB machines.

At least 18 bodies have been recovered from different places affected by the deadly floods so far. The river's water level rose instantly following an avalanche near the power project on Sunday.

The massive burst of water tore through the Dhauliganga river valley, destroying everything in its path. The glacial burst triggered an avalanche and a deluge in the Alaknanda river system that washed away hydroelectric stations.

The chief minister of Uttarakhand state has announced four lakh rupees of financial assistance to each kin of the deceased. PM Modi has also approved an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each for the next of kin of those who have lost their lives due to the avalanche.

An additional 50,000 rupees would be given to those seriously injured. The local authorities have advised people living on the banks of the river to move to a safe place.

Rescue operations continued on Tuesday to free people trapped inside a tunnel in Tapovan in Uttarakhand after a glacier broke off in Uttarakhand's Chamoli district on Sunday triggering an avalanche.

Rescue operations continued on Tuesday to free people trapped inside a tunnel in Tapovan in Uttarakhand after a glacier broke off in Uttarakhand's Chamoli district on Sunday triggering an avalanche. Watch: SDRF teams along with other members of the rescue teams have been engaged in the tunnel operations with over 30 workers feared trapped in a tunnel at a power project site. In Pics: Uttarakhand landslide As heavy excavators were brought to remove the debris and slush to open the tunnel, the multi-agency rescue operation including the Indo-Tibetan Border Police(ITBP) and national disaster response force continued its rescue mission with the forces clearing 90 meter stretch of debris in the big tunnel at Tapovan till now, with about 100 meters of clearing still left. Aerial rescue and relief missions have resumed with Indian Air Force's Mi-17 & Chinook helicopters flying from Dehradun to Joshimath with disaster relief teams on board. The operation to rescue the people trapped in a tunnel is underway with efforts on to clear the tunnel with the help of JCB machines. At least 18 bodies have been recovered from different places affected by the deadly floods so far. The river's water level rose instantly following an avalanche near the power project on Sunday. The massive burst of water tore through the Dhauliganga river valley, destroying everything in its path. The glacial burst triggered an avalanche and a deluge in the Alaknanda river system that washed away hydroelectric stations. The chief minister of Uttarakhand state has announced four lakh rupees of financial assistance to each kin of the deceased. PM Modi has also approved an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each for the next of kin of those who have lost their lives due to the avalanche. An additional 50,000 rupees would be given to those seriously injured. The local authorities have advised people living on the banks of the river to move to a safe place.

Rescuers recover people trapped in Uttarakhand's Tapovan tunnel after glacier burst

At least 70 people from Uttar Pradesh are feared missing in the glacier burst at Joshimath in Uttarakhand's Chamoli district that triggered an avalanche and a deluge in the Alaknanda river system that washed away hydroelectric stations on Sunday, officials said.

Of the 70 people, 34 are from Lakhimpur Kheri district alone.

"As of now, 70 people from Uttar Pradesh are feared missing, including 34 from Lakhimpur Kheri, nine from Saharanpur and five from Shravasti," Relief Commissioner of Uttar Pradesh Sanjay Goyal told PTI on Tuesday.

Earlier in the day, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath sent a team of three ministers to Uttarakhand for better coordination with the state in carrying out relief works after the disaster, an official spokesperson said here.

A portion of the Nanda Devi glacier possibly burst through its banks in Uttarakhand's Chamoli district on Sunday, leading to an avalanche and a deluge that ripped through the Alaknanda river system in the upper reaches of the ecologically fragile Himalayas.

Thirty-one bodies have been recovered so far and around 175 people are missing.

"The Chief Minister has formed a committee of three ministers and sent them to Uttarakhand for better coordination with the state. The ministers are Suresh Kumar Rana, Vijay Kashyap and Dharam Singh Saini," the spokesperson said.

Yogi Adityanath has also constituted a team of officers led by Additional Chief Secretary, Home, Awanish Kumar Awasthi to ensure coordination in carrying out relief works, he said, adding that a control room has been established at the Relief Commissioner's office.

Control rooms have also been set up in districts affected by the tragedy and administration, police and irrigation department employees are deputed there.

"We will meet Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat and work will be done in coordination to cremate those who lost their lives in the tragedy," Rana said.

At least 70 people from Uttar Pradesh are feared missing in the glacier burst at Joshimath in Uttarakhand's Chamoli district that triggered an avalanche and a deluge in the Alaknanda river system that washed away hydroelectric stations on Sunday, officials said.

At least 70 people from Uttar Pradesh are feared missing in the glacier burst at Joshimath in Uttarakhand's Chamoli district that triggered an avalanche and a deluge in the Alaknanda river system that washed away hydroelectric stations on Sunday, officials said. Of the 70 people, 34 are from Lakhimpur Kheri district alone. "As of now, 70 people from Uttar Pradesh are feared missing, including 34 from Lakhimpur Kheri, nine from Saharanpur and five from Shravasti," Relief Commissioner of Uttar Pradesh Sanjay Goyal told PTI on Tuesday. Earlier in the day, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath sent a team of three ministers to Uttarakhand for better coordination with the state in carrying out relief works after the disaster, an official spokesperson said here. A portion of the Nanda Devi glacier possibly burst through its banks in Uttarakhand's Chamoli district on Sunday, leading to an avalanche and a deluge that ripped through the Alaknanda river system in the upper reaches of the ecologically fragile Himalayas. Thirty-one bodies have been recovered so far and around 175 people are missing. "The Chief Minister has formed a committee of three ministers and sent them to Uttarakhand for better coordination with the state. The ministers are Suresh Kumar Rana, Vijay Kashyap and Dharam Singh Saini," the spokesperson said. Yogi Adityanath has also constituted a team of officers led by Additional Chief Secretary, Home, Awanish Kumar Awasthi to ensure coordination in carrying out relief works, he said, adding that a control room has been established at the Relief Commissioner's office. Control rooms have also been set up in districts affected by the tragedy and administration, police and irrigation department employees are deputed there. "We will meet Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat and work will be done in coordination to cremate those who lost their lives in the tragedy," Rana said.

70 people from Uttar Pradesh missing after Uttarakhand glacier disaster

Chennai Air Cargo Customs officials intercepted an export consignment, bound for Qatar,Doha, based on intelligence regarding narcotics smuggling. As per the shipping bill, the 7 packages were declared as containing 55 weighing scales.

According to officials, the digital weighing scales were found to be unusually heavy, on inspection. Thereafter, all the machines were disassembled with a screwdriver and 52 machines had metal boxes taped to the bottom of the scale.&nbsp;

The taped boxes are said to have contained two pieces of dark brown material in cake form wrapped with plastic strips and sheets. The brown material tested positive for Hashish and a total 44 kg valued at Rs 4.4 crore was recovered from 44 machines. 700 grams of Methaphetamine crystals valued at Rs. 70 lakhs were recovered from two machines. Both Hashish and Meth crystals valued at Rs. 5.1 crore or USD6.99lakh were seized under NDPS Act.

In addition, 1620 grams of Pregabalin capsules, a prescription drug used for anxiety disorder and fibromylgia were recovered from 6 machines and seized. While this drug does not fall in the controlled drug list in India, it is a controlled drug in many foreign countries.&nbsp;

Searches at the exporter M/s Sree Aalaya’s premises led to the arrest of an exporter. Also a staff of the Custom house agent was arrested.

Chennai Air Cargo Customs officials intercepted an export consignment, bound for Qatar,Doha, based on intelligence regarding narcotics smuggling. As per the shipping bill, the 7 packages were declared as containing 55 weighing scales.

Chennai Air Cargo Customs officials intercepted an export consignment, bound for Qatar,Doha, based on intelligence regarding narcotics smuggling. As per the shipping bill, the 7 packages were declared as containing 55 weighing scales. According to officials, the digital weighing scales were found to be unusually heavy, on inspection. Thereafter, all the machines were disassembled with a screwdriver and 52 machines had metal boxes taped to the bottom of the scale. The taped boxes are said to have contained two pieces of dark brown material in cake form wrapped with plastic strips and sheets. The brown material tested positive for Hashish and a total 44 kg valued at Rs 4.4 crore was recovered from 44 machines. 700 grams of Methaphetamine crystals valued at Rs. 70 lakhs were recovered from two machines. Both Hashish and Meth crystals valued at Rs. 5.1 crore or USD6.99lakh were seized under NDPS Act. In addition, 1620 grams of Pregabalin capsules, a prescription drug used for anxiety disorder and fibromylgia were recovered from 6 machines and seized. While this drug does not fall in the controlled drug list in India, it is a controlled drug in many foreign countries. Searches at the exporter M/s Sree Aalaya’s premises led to the arrest of an exporter. Also a staff of the Custom house agent was arrested.

Chennai: Drugs worth Rs 5.1cr hidden in cargo bound for Doha, seized; 2 arrested 

Around 3000 foreign diplomats and&nbsp;their eligible family members&nbsp;based out of India have sent names for New Delhi's offer for vaccination against COVID. India had offered vaccination using India-manufactured covid vaccine to diplomats based in the country--both in the national capital Delhi and various consulates across the country.&nbsp;Around 115 missions and 39 international organizations responded to the Indian offer and a final call will be soon taken on when the vaccination starts.

Many of the envoys and diplomats based out of India welcomed the initiative.&nbsp;Denmark's Ambassador to India Freddy Svane told WION, "The Government of India has offered all diplomats and their dependents to be included in India’s vaccination schedule. Great &nbsp; Initiative. Personally, I am very keen not to jump any Queue".

Lauding the initiative,&nbsp;Ambassador of Italy to India&nbsp;Vincenzo de Luca speaking to WION said,&nbsp;“We believe that it is a commendable initiative which is also in line with a similar programme launched by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the foreign diplomatic community accredited in Italy. These programmes confirm that the purpose of countering the Corona-19 pandemic is better served through global solidarity and effective international cooperation”

India began its mega vaccination drive on January 16 and so far,&nbsp;62.6 lakh&nbsp;healthcare workers have been vaccinated against COVID.&nbsp;

Kazakhstan's envoy to India Yerlan Alimbayev said, "We welcome the gesture of goodwill and solidarity offered by the Indian Government in terms of COVID-19 vaccination for foreign diplomats based in New Delhi. So far our staff and their family members are considering this option. Just like in Kazakhstan, I believe, this is a voluntary decision for people in India as well."

He explained, in response to WION's question, "As you probably know, a vaccination in Kazakhstan kicked off recently, on 1st February. Like in India, a priority also is given to medical and frontline workers. Kazakhstan uses the “Sputnik V” vaccine and our own vaccine is under the last phase of trials. We have to check with our capital whether Indian vaccine is registered in Kazakhstan and will decide accordingly."

Indonesian Cd'A Ferdy Nico Yohannes Piay also appreciated&nbsp;the "Government of India's efforts in running the biggest COVID-19 vaccination drive in the world, and welcomes its policy to also include foreign service officers based in India in its program."

Elaborating Piay said, "India’s strong commitment to provide its self-made vaccines to the neighbouring countries and beyond will surely place India at leading role and the forefront of this war against the pandemic"

India has been reaching out to foreign diplomats on its action plan on how to deal with a covid pandemic. Last year, foreign secretary Harsh Shringla briefed 190 heads of diplomatic missions on a covid action plan. It was followed by the visit of over 50 foreign envoys based out of Delhi going to Hyderabad to showcase the country's vaccine production centres at 2 biotechnology companies - Bharat Biotech and Biological E.

India produces 60 per cent&nbsp;of global vaccines, and so far supplied covid vaccines to 18 countries both as gifts and commercially. Vaccines have been sent to countries in the neighbourhood and beyond--these countries are Bhutan, Maldives, Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar, Mauritius, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, the UAE, Brazil, Morocco, Bahrain, Oman, Egypt, Algeria, Kuwait, South Africa, and Afghanistan. It has gifted 56 lakh doses and commercially supplied 100 lakh doses.

Around 3000 foreign diplomats and their eligible family members based out of India have sent names for New Delhi's offer for vaccination against COVID. India had offered vaccination using India-manufactured covid vaccine to diplomats based in the country--both in the national capital Delhi and various consulates across the country.

Around 3000 foreign diplomats and their eligible family members based out of India have sent names for New Delhi's offer for vaccination against COVID. India had offered vaccination using India-manufactured covid vaccine to diplomats based in the country--both in the national capital Delhi and various consulates across the country. Around 115 missions and 39 international organizations responded to the Indian offer and a final call will be soon taken on when the vaccination starts. Many of the envoys and diplomats based out of India welcomed the initiative. Denmark's Ambassador to India Freddy Svane told WION, "The Government of India has offered all diplomats and their dependents to be included in India’s vaccination schedule. Great Initiative. Personally, I am very keen not to jump any Queue". Lauding the initiative, Ambassador of Italy to India Vincenzo de Luca speaking to WION said, “We believe that it is a commendable initiative which is also in line with a similar programme launched by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the foreign diplomatic community accredited in Italy. These programmes confirm that the purpose of countering the Corona-19 pandemic is better served through global solidarity and effective international cooperation” India began its mega vaccination drive on January 16 and so far, 62.6 lakh healthcare workers have been vaccinated against COVID. Kazakhstan's envoy to India Yerlan Alimbayev said, "We welcome the gesture of goodwill and solidarity offered by the Indian Government in terms of COVID-19 vaccination for foreign diplomats based in New Delhi. So far our staff and their family members are considering this option. Just like in Kazakhstan, I believe, this is a voluntary decision for people in India as well." He explained, in response to WION's question, "As you probably know, a vaccination in Kazakhstan kicked off recently, on 1st February. Like in India, a priority also is given to medical and frontline workers. Kazakhstan uses the “Sputnik V” vaccine and our own vaccine is under the last phase of trials. We have to check with our capital whether Indian vaccine is registered in Kazakhstan and will decide accordingly." Indonesian Cd'A Ferdy Nico Yohannes Piay also appreciated the "Government of India's efforts in running the biggest COVID-19 vaccination drive in the world, and welcomes its policy to also include foreign service officers based in India in its program." Elaborating Piay said, "India’s strong commitment to provide its self-made vaccines to the neighbouring countries and beyond will surely place India at leading role and the forefront of this war against the pandemic" India has been reaching out to foreign diplomats on its action plan on how to deal with a covid pandemic. Last year, foreign secretary Harsh Shringla briefed 190 heads of diplomatic missions on a covid action plan. It was followed by the visit of over 50 foreign envoys based out of Delhi going to Hyderabad to showcase the country's vaccine production centres at 2 biotechnology companies - Bharat Biotech and Biological E. India produces 60 per cent of global vaccines, and so far supplied covid vaccines to 18 countries both as gifts and commercially. Vaccines have been sent to countries in the neighbourhood and beyond--these countries are Bhutan, Maldives, Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar, Mauritius, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, the UAE, Brazil, Morocco, Bahrain, Oman, Egypt, Algeria, Kuwait, South Africa, and Afghanistan. It has gifted 56 lakh doses and commercially supplied 100 lakh doses.

115 foreign missions send 3000 names for India's COVID vaccination drive

Indian Air Force fleet in April, 2022: How 36 Rafale fighters will change air equation along LAC in eastern Ladakh

A day after India asked <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/farmers-protests-indian-government-asks-twitter-to-remove-over-1000-pak-khalistan-accounts-362074">Twitter </a>to remove over a 1000 accounts for allegedly spreading misinformation in connection with the farmers' protest, Twitter has now reached out to the Indian IT minister for formal dialogue.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indian-govt-asks-twitter-to-block-1178-more-accounts-362175/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The social media giant added that the safety of its employees is its top priority. It has also said that the open and free exchange of information has a positive global impact and that the tweets must continue to flow.

"Safety of our employees is a top priority for us at Twitter. we continue to be engaged with the government of India from a position of respect and have reached out to the honourable minister, ministry of electronics and information technology for a formal dialogue,'' the company said.

Twitter has acknowledged getting the non-compliance notice from the government, however, so far, Twitter has outrightly refused to comply with the government's directives.

The Indian government had asked Twitter to take down 1,178 listed handles that have Pakistani and Khalistani users.

A day after India asked Twitter to remove over a 1000 accounts for allegedly spreading misinformation in connection with the farmers' protest, Twitter has now reached out to the Indian IT minister for formal dialogue.

A day after India asked Twitter to remove over a 1000 accounts for allegedly spreading misinformation in connection with the farmers' protest, Twitter has now reached out to the Indian IT minister for formal dialogue. Watch: The social media giant added that the safety of its employees is its top priority. It has also said that the open and free exchange of information has a positive global impact and that the tweets must continue to flow. "Safety of our employees is a top priority for us at Twitter. we continue to be engaged with the government of India from a position of respect and have reached out to the honourable minister, ministry of electronics and information technology for a formal dialogue,'' the company said. Twitter has acknowledged getting the non-compliance notice from the government, however, so far, Twitter has outrightly refused to comply with the government's directives. The Indian government had asked Twitter to take down 1,178 listed handles that have Pakistani and Khalistani users.

Twitter reaches out to India for formal dialogue

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi got emotional and broke down in the Rajya Sabha (Upper House of Parliament) while bidding farewell to 4 outgoing members which include veteran leader Ghulam Nabi Azad.

Indian PM Modi breaks down as he bids farewell to Ghulam Nabi Azad in Rajya Sabha

Afghanistan's Cd'A charge de affairs to Delhi Tahir Qadiry has said mega infrastructure projects such as Shahtoot are "hallmark of India Afghanistan friendship".

Afghanistan's Cd'A charge de affairs to Delhi Tahir Qadiry has said mega infrastructure projects such as Shahtoot are "hallmark of India Afghanistan friendship". India has been involved in many infrastructure projects in Afghanistan, including the India Afghanistan Friendship dam or Salma dam, the Afghan Parliament, and now the announcement being made on the Shahtoot dam. Leaders of both countries PM Modi-Afghan President Ashraf Ghani held a virtual summit today during which the agreement on the Shahtoot dam was announced. This was the first virtual summit of PM Modi this year. Speaking to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Tahir said, "bond between the 2 countries are "organic" and both have been "standing by each other through thick and thin of time". India on Sunday sent 500,000 India made covid vaccines to Afghanistan which Tahir said was "highly appreciated in Afghanistan and this will help us to jointly tackle the pandemic". Amid the pandemic, India sent 75000 MT of wheat to Afghanistan and crucial medicines like HCQ and paracetamol. In fact, Quoting Sher Khan, an Afghan character from Zanjeer film, Tahir described India Afghan ties as "Yaari hai, iman hai mera, iman hai meri Zindagi--Friend is my faith, faith is my life." He also spoke on the Afghan govenment's expectation from the Biden adminstration, the issue of terror and connectivity. WION: What will be the key focus of the India Afghanistan virtual meet? Tahir Qadiry: We have been looking forward to a long time now and because of the pandemic it did not materialize. India has announced another big project they have on Afghanistan - the Shahtoot dam. After the Salma dam, it is the biggest project of India in Afghanistan. Around 2 million people in Kabul will benefit from drinkable water. If you know about Kabul, it is a cosmopolitan city made for a couple of hundred thousand people, but now more than 6 million people are living here. So as a result, this will be a very vital project for the residents of Kabul. WION: What will be the key function of the dam? Tahir Qadiry: These projects are hallmarks of the friendship and the bond which India, and Afghanistan have! What India did in Afghanistan was a couple of things, for democracy, they build the house of Parliament, for infrastructure, they built the Salma dam and now the Shahtoot dam is happening. Along with, sports, soft power, students exchanges, this dam comes at a very important juncture. At a time, a lot of people in Kabul lack drinkable water. It will provide two million people with drinkable water, so if you have seen pictures of Kabul, a lot of people live in the mountain, on top hill, so this will provide the opportunity to have access to drinkable water, and a great bond of friendship between the two countries. WION: How has been ties been, the overarching point of convergence between India and Afghanistan? Tahir Qadiry: The bond is organic with two countries standing by each other through thick and thin which speaks for itself. During a very difficult time of the pandemic and during the lockdown, we were given the chance to sent 15,000 Afghans back home. It would have not happened without the help of India. The air bubble we have now direct daily flights to Kabul and Mazar-e-sharif. It is again a signal of friendship while India is again close to a lot of countries and it is open to Afghanistan. Through trade and strategic partnership, India was the first country to sign that strategic partnership with India after the fall of the Taliban. A lot of cultural exchanges, these are all good examples of people-to-people relationship and no matter who has been at the helm of power in Kabul or Delhi, the relationship has always been the same. WION: And Vaccine diplomacy is one key point of convergence... Tahir Qadiry: Afghanistan was the first recipient country to receive 500,000 doses of Made in India vaccine and it has been highly appreciated in Afghanistan and it will help us to jointly tackle the pandemic. This was not actually the first time, both countries did such a giant thing. During the very hard time of the pandemic, India sent Afghanistan 75,000 MT of wheat, in case Afghanistan faced insecurity for food. At the same time, they sent critical drugs as well, like HCQ, Paracetamol, and masks. They were gifted by the Indian government. Under the neighbourhood first policy, they have sent 500,000 doses of the Made in India vaccine. In his statement, President Ghani has said the vaccine should be allocated and prioritized for Afghan security forces and for frontline workers, working in hospitals and others. It is quite timely, at a time when everyone is trying to access the vaccines, Afghanistan has been one of the first countries to receive it, it has been appreciated in social media too. WION: You visited Ajmer Sharif, culture is one key connecting point... Tahir Qadiry: As part of my trip, I have been travelling around to many states, one particular place which I really loved to go was Ajmer Sharif because we have a common history there. Mu'in al-Din Chishti came from Herat in the 12th or 13th century and he travelled all the way and resided there. So I always wanted to go there, according to my good friend, Salman Chishti Sahib, he said, when I went here, he said, normally Ajmer calls someone. It took me a couple of hours to go there, the magnificent Dargah, a lot of people were holding prayers and we had a very good tour of the Dargah too. We had qawwali there, which is part of it. Chishti Sharif, one of the common things they connected is via music. Qawwali, which they did for us too and we did our Duas. I got a praying bead from there as a holy thing, and you know, again getting back to cultural ties we had, it has been portrayed in a lot of senses, and you know recently I wrote an article, there was a character, Sher khan. Sher Khan was a character of an Afghan in Zanjeer film, where he talks about this bond, Yaari hai, iman hai mera, iman hai meri Zindagi--Friend is my faith, faith is my life. I think that is the kind of picture that symbolizes the relationship between India and Afghanistan. WION: We have a new president in Washington. President Joe Biden. What is the key expectation of the Ghani government from him? Tahir Qadiry: There have been lot of contacts between our government and the new US administration. Some positive signals have been there. There have been at least three things, the US commitment to Afghanistan, which is very important for all of us because they have invested in blood and treasure, the international community, especially the US and European countries. It is very important to stay committed to Afghanistan. They have reaffirmed. Second is a review of the Taliban-US agreement because we believe that the Taliban has not stood by the agreement and they have not been delivering at a time we have been negotiating with them, they have been increasing violence in Afghanistan. They are actually resorting to targeted attacks of the civil society activist, journalists, politicians, and on average we had 50 attacks across Afghanistan. They have been attacking schools, hospital wards, and university students including the attack at the university in Kabul. At such a time, it is good news that the US will be reviewing it and the third is regional consensus because without the regional consensus, we believe we cannot have enduring peace and we need to bring all our neighbours to the same table. we need to persuade every one peace in Afghanistan is peace for the region because geographically we are in such a location that is called the heart of Asia that if there is peace in Afghanistan, we can become the region's hub where goods and money, and ideas will flow. WION: How have been the connectivity projects going, the air corridor, the Chabahar. Tahir Qadiry: Connectivity is one of the ambitious plans our govt has had, and we have materialized it in many ways. Now, Afghanistan is no more called a landlocked country, but a land bridged country. So air corridor is one of those ambitious projects, Chabahar is a strategic point for all the three countries - Iran, Afghanistan and India. Quite soon we will have the Quad meet of all the four countries. They will take it forward. I'm happy to see India investing. The recent visit by Joint secretary in MEA to Chabahar where they delivered the crane and these are all good signs. Regarding the volume of trade, in fact, despite the restrictions of the pandemic, we have seen increased export to India. Back in 2017-18, the volume of our export to India was $433 million, and despite the pandemic in 2019-20, it has increased to $530 million which is a very good sign for all of us. Regarding, saffron, we have seen a 23 per cent increase in export to India. When it comes to connectivity, it is our dream project that we want Afghanistan to change that area that can connect the two parts of the world. WION: Lastly, terror has been something which concerns everyone from Kabul to Delhi. A recent US report said Pakistan Taliban has been shielding Al Qaeda. Your reaction... Tahir Qadiry: Cross-border insurgency is something we all have been suffering from. It has been the call of the Afghan government to different countries and our neighbours that we need to join hands to fight terrorism. At the end of the day, we all will be the victims of the war, and let me point to the US treasury dept's saying that the Taliban has not cut ties with Al Qaeda so again it is concerning for us that we are fighting at the forefront of fighting terror in the world. It has been the reason why our FM has been travelling around, and the president has been calling different countries to forge this regional consensus so that everyone is convinced that peace in Afghanistan has been peace in the region. If we have peace in Afghanistan, the region will have move towards prosperity.

Shahtoot dam hallmark of India-Afghanistan friendship: Tahir Qadiry

Rescue operations continue in India's Uttarakhand state where the floods were caused by glacier burst and damaged a hydropower project. As many as 26 bodies have been recovered from different affected areas while more than 197 labourers are still missing.

Uttarakhand Glacier Burst: 26 bodies recovered, over 197 labourers still missing

The President makes a special address on a statement of government policy that has to be approved by the Cabinet. The matters referred to in the President's address are discussed on a motion of thanks transferred by one member and moved by another member.

PM Modi replies to the 'Motion of Thanks' in the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of Parliament

PM <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-launches-key-projects-in-assam-promotes-using-local-language-for-studies-361944">Modi</a> while replying in Rajya Sabha to the motion of thanks on the President's address asserted that the country had emerged as the "pharmacy of the world during the pandemic". &nbsp;

"We are proud that the vaccination movement is taking place in our country. We have provided medicines to 150 countries," PM Modi told India's upper house of Parliament.

The world had apprehensions about how India would handle pandemic,&nbsp;lakhs would die they had apprehended, the PM said, adding,"India is truly a land of opportunities, the country cannot let go opportunities that have come during challenging times."

Today the world appreciates India's efforts in saving humanity and the credit goes to India and we should be proud of it, the PM said. The prime minister said India had emerged as the "pharmacy of world during the pandemic".

"India has seen days when there was a large threat of polio, smallpox. Nobody knew whether India will get a vaccine or how many people will get it. From those days, we are now here, when our nation is making vaccines for the world. This increases our self-confidence," the Indian prime minister said.&nbsp;

"Criticism is fine but don't indulge in acts that can break the confidence of the country; corona warriors should be respected."

PM Modi stated that President Kovind's address to the joint sitting of Parliament was of hope and a &nbsp;"way forward during in these challenging times".

"Our democracy is not a western institution, it is made of human institutions. India is the 'mother of democracy' and this is our ethos," he said.

"India's history is filled with examples of democratic institutions. We find mention of 81 democracies in ancient India. Today it's essential to warn citizens about the attacks on India's nationalism," PM Modi said.

"India's nationalism is neither narrow now selfish and not even aggressive. This is inspired by the values of 'Satyam Shivam Sundaram' which was given by Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose," he said.&nbsp;

"Manmohanji is here, I'd read out his quote: Those taking a U-Turn (farm laws) will perhaps agree with him. "There are other rigidities because of marketing regime set up in 1930s which prevent our farmers from selling their produce where they get highest rate of return," PM Modi said.

"Sharad Pawar&nbsp;and those from Congress, all governments have stood for agricultural reforms. Whether they were able to do it or not, but everyone has advocated that it should be done," he said.

"MSP tha, MSP hai aur MSP rahega,"&nbsp;the PM reiterated that the minimum support price(MSP) will remain and so will PDS.

PM Modi said that Rs 1.15 lakh crore has been paid into the account of farmers under PM Kisan Samman Nidhi. The Indian prime minister said Rs 90,000 crore of claims was cleared under crop insurance which is a bigger amount than the loan waiver.

"Despite record production, there are problems in the agriculture sector, solutions have to be found together," the PM said.

The PM said give agricultural reforms a chance, it is open to changes.

PM Modi while replying in Rajya Sabha to the motion of thanks on the President's address asserted that the country had emerged as the "pharmacy of the world during the pandemic".

PM Modi while replying in Rajya Sabha to the motion of thanks on the President's address asserted that the country had emerged as the "pharmacy of the world during the pandemic". "We are proud that the vaccination movement is taking place in our country. We have provided medicines to 150 countries," PM Modi told India's upper house of Parliament. The world had apprehensions about how India would handle pandemic, lakhs would die they had apprehended, the PM said, adding,"India is truly a land of opportunities, the country cannot let go opportunities that have come during challenging times." Today the world appreciates India's efforts in saving humanity and the credit goes to India and we should be proud of it, the PM said. The prime minister said India had emerged as the "pharmacy of world during the pandemic". "India has seen days when there was a large threat of polio, smallpox. Nobody knew whether India will get a vaccine or how many people will get it. From those days, we are now here, when our nation is making vaccines for the world. This increases our self-confidence," the Indian prime minister said. "Criticism is fine but don't indulge in acts that can break the confidence of the country; corona warriors should be respected." PM Modi stated that President Kovind's address to the joint sitting of Parliament was of hope and a "way forward during in these challenging times". "Our democracy is not a western institution, it is made of human institutions. India is the 'mother of democracy' and this is our ethos," he said. "India's history is filled with examples of democratic institutions. We find mention of 81 democracies in ancient India. Today it's essential to warn citizens about the attacks on India's nationalism," PM Modi said. "India's nationalism is neither narrow now selfish and not even aggressive. This is inspired by the values of 'Satyam Shivam Sundaram' which was given by Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose," he said. "Manmohanji is here, I'd read out his quote: Those taking a U-Turn (farm laws) will perhaps agree with him. "There are other rigidities because of marketing regime set up in 1930s which prevent our farmers from selling their produce where they get highest rate of return," PM Modi said. "Sharad Pawar and those from Congress, all governments have stood for agricultural reforms. Whether they were able to do it or not, but everyone has advocated that it should be done," he said. "MSP tha, MSP hai aur MSP rahega," the PM reiterated that the minimum support price(MSP) will remain and so will PDS. PM Modi said that Rs 1.15 lakh crore has been paid into the account of farmers under PM Kisan Samman Nidhi. The Indian prime minister said Rs 90,000 crore of claims was cleared under crop insurance which is a bigger amount than the loan waiver. "Despite record production, there are problems in the agriculture sector, solutions have to be found together," the PM said. The PM said give agricultural reforms a chance, it is open to changes.

Give agricultural reforms a chance; MSP will remain, says PM Modi in Rajya Sabha

India's tally of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/over-12000-covid-19-cases-reported-in-one-day-78-new-fatalities-361928">COVID-19</a> cases rose to 1,08,38,194, with 11,831 new infections, while the daily deaths fell below 100 for the fourth time this month, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Monday.

The death toll increased to 1,55,080 with 84 daily new fatalities, the data updated at 8 am showed.

The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 1,05,34,505 pushing the national COVID-19 recovery rate to 97.20 per cent, while the COVID-19 case fatality rate stands at 1.43 per cent. The total COVID-19 active cases remained below 2 lakh.

There are 1,48,609 active cases of coronavirus infections in the country which comprise 1.37 per cent of the total cases, the data stated.

India's COVID-19 tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7, 30 lakh on August 23, 40 lakh on September 5 and 50 lakh on September 16. It went past 60 lakh on September 28, 70 lakh on October 11, crossed 80 lakh on October 29 &nbsp;and had surpassed the one crore mark on December 19.

According to the ICMR, 20,19, 00,614 samples have been tested up to February 7 with 5, 32,236 samples being tested on Sunday.

The 84 new fatalities include 30 from Maharashtra and 19 from Kerala, 6 from Chhattisgarh, 5 from West Bengal, 4 from Uttarakhand, 3 from Karnataka, 2 each from Delhi, Goa, Haryana and Punjab.

A total of 1,55,080 deaths have been reported so far in the country including 51,310 from Maharashtra followed by 12,383 from Tamil Nadu, 12,236 from Karnataka,10,879 from Delhi, 10,207 from West Bengal, 8,687 from Uttar Pradesh and 7,159 from Andhra Pradesh.

The health ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities.

"Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research," the ministry said on its website, adding that state-wise distribution of figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation. &nbsp;

India's tally of COVID-19 cases rose to 1,08,38,194, with 11,831 new infections, while the daily deaths fell below 100 for the fourth time this month, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Monday.

India's tally of COVID-19 cases rose to 1,08,38,194, with 11,831 new infections, while the daily deaths fell below 100 for the fourth time this month, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Monday. The death toll increased to 1,55,080 with 84 daily new fatalities, the data updated at 8 am showed. The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 1,05,34,505 pushing the national COVID-19 recovery rate to 97.20 per cent, while the COVID-19 case fatality rate stands at 1.43 per cent. The total COVID-19 active cases remained below 2 lakh. There are 1,48,609 active cases of coronavirus infections in the country which comprise 1.37 per cent of the total cases, the data stated. India's COVID-19 tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7, 30 lakh on August 23, 40 lakh on September 5 and 50 lakh on September 16. It went past 60 lakh on September 28, 70 lakh on October 11, crossed 80 lakh on October 29 and had surpassed the one crore mark on December 19. According to the ICMR, 20,19, 00,614 samples have been tested up to February 7 with 5, 32,236 samples being tested on Sunday. The 84 new fatalities include 30 from Maharashtra and 19 from Kerala, 6 from Chhattisgarh, 5 from West Bengal, 4 from Uttarakhand, 3 from Karnataka, 2 each from Delhi, Goa, Haryana and Punjab. A total of 1,55,080 deaths have been reported so far in the country including 51,310 from Maharashtra followed by 12,383 from Tamil Nadu, 12,236 from Karnataka,10,879 from Delhi, 10,207 from West Bengal, 8,687 from Uttar Pradesh and 7,159 from Andhra Pradesh. The health ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities. "Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research," the ministry said on its website, adding that state-wise distribution of figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation.

Daily COVID-19 deaths in India falls below 100 for fourth time in February

Indian Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/narendra-modi">Narendra Modi</a> and the newly-elected US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a> spoke to each other on Monday. This is the first conversation between the two leaders&nbsp;since Biden took charge as the US President last month.

In a tweet, Modi said he conveyed "best wishes for his success" and "discussed regional issues and our shared priorities", with a focus on "co-operation against climate change".

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/with-bidens-dreams-for-america-will-the-us-india-ties-change-362282" hreflang="en">With Biden's dreams for America, will the US-India ties change?</a>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Spoke to <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/JoeBiden?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JoeBiden</a> and conveyed my best wishes for his success. We discussed regional issues and our shared priorities. We also agreed to further our co-operation against climate change.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1358831326602817537?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 8, 2021</a></blockquote>
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He also said that both sides are "committed to a rules-based international order" and are looking&nbsp;"forward to consolidating our strategic partnership" to "further peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond."

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-along-with-the-world-awaits-who-probe-report-on-origin-of-coronavirus-362275" hreflang="en">Joe Biden, along with the world, awaits WHO probe report on origin of coronavirus</a>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
President <a href="https://twitter.com/JoeBiden?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JoeBiden</a> and I are committed to a rules-based international order. We look forward to consolidating our strategic partnership to further peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond. <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1358831328263741441?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 8, 2021</a></blockquote>
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In November, after the US election results, both sides had spoken to each other and discussed cooperation on the coronavirus&nbsp;pandemic, its economic impact, and Indo-Pacific. The Defence, External Affairs/secretary of state counterparts and National Security Advisors of both countries have already spoken to each other.&nbsp;

Biden has been a supporter of close New Delhi-Washington ties, in his capacity as a senator and the Vice President. In August 2001, Joe Biden had written a letter to the then-President George W. Bush calling on the new administration to drop US sanctions against India and during his tenure as the Chairman of Senate Foreign Relations Committee, he worked towards the US Senate’s approval of US-India Civil Nuclear Agreement in 2008.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the newly-elected US President Joe Biden spoke to each other on Monday. This is the first conversation between the two leaders since Biden took charge as the US President last month.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the newly-elected US President Joe Biden spoke to each other on Monday. This is the first conversation between the two leaders since Biden took charge as the US President last month. In a tweet, Modi said he conveyed "best wishes for his success" and "discussed regional issues and our shared priorities", with a focus on "co-operation against climate change". Also read| With Biden's dreams for America, will the US-India ties change? Spoke to @POTUS @JoeBiden and conveyed my best wishes for his success. We discussed regional issues and our shared priorities. We also agreed to further our co-operation against climate change. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 8, 2021 × He also said that both sides are "committed to a rules-based international order" and are looking "forward to consolidating our strategic partnership" to "further peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond." Also read| Joe Biden, along with the world, awaits WHO probe report on origin of coronavirus President @JoeBiden and I are committed to a rules-based international order. We look forward to consolidating our strategic partnership to further peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond. @POTUS — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 8, 2021 × In November, after the US election results, both sides had spoken to each other and discussed cooperation on the coronavirus pandemic, its economic impact, and Indo-Pacific. The Defence, External Affairs/secretary of state counterparts and National Security Advisors of both countries have already spoken to each other. Biden has been a supporter of close New Delhi-Washington ties, in his capacity as a senator and the Vice President. In August 2001, Joe Biden had written a letter to the then-President George W. Bush calling on the new administration to drop US sanctions against India and during his tenure as the Chairman of Senate Foreign Relations Committee, he worked towards the US Senate’s approval of US-India Civil Nuclear Agreement in 2008.

Modi speaks to Biden for first time since US inaugural ceremony

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PM Modi replies to the 'Motion of Thanks' in the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of Parliament